Someone was thinking of cutting him like a cake, but it was hard to tell who—Slate was somewhat disturbed by the number of potential candidates. Presumably it wasn’t Sebastian. Though Ms. Csendes had been extremely close to his backside when the groom had first approached. Given the bride’s reaction, Slate gathered this was an inappropriate action to commit upon a stranger. On your sometimes-cat Master, it was perhaps acceptable. Less so upon your husband’s employer-student.

In addition, Koga had tried to avoid his gaze for a time. Slate met the child’s gaze again, and narrowed his eyes further.

Simultaneously, Shin was saying: “Pants?”

“Yes,” Slate replied, looking back up. Though he was not entirely certain why the word was spoken in a questioning tone. Perhaps the man was asking for more context? Helpfully, he summarized the situation: “She has mine. She could not find hers, and she had to leave in a hurry.” To return to the battle, of course.

Also, the woman Sebastian had brought over was making her reply.

>> “I’m willing to work wherever I would be of most use in whatever position you have available, Sir. I could touch type three years ago and I can read and write fluently once I get my glasses fixed. I know… some about computers but not a lot. I don’t mind manual work but I’m not great at lifting heavy things. ...I have a live mutation, the ability, to fire objects from my palm, but I have never killed anyone and I don’t use it except in self defense.”

“That is good,” Slate said, meaning the not killing. Also, the touch-typing. “Would you be interested in secretarial work? Among other things, we offer our employees good medical coverage. Optometrics included.” That could be useful, in having glasses repaired. “We can always move you to another field of work at a later date, if it seems more appropriate.” In particular: to the Kabal. He would prefer to discuss such matters at a later time, however. With somewhat fewer people around, saying somewhat fewer things to him, in somewhat fewer ways.

>> <<Do you remember the guy you teamed me up in Colombia?>>

The paranoid ingrate? Slate had saved the man’s life: immediately afterward, the man had quit the Kabal mid-mission on the grounds that Slate might be trying to kill him. In the Kabal leader’s mind, if he’d truly had an interest in the man’s death, there seemed a readily available link in that chain which he could have utilized. After all, if he wanted someone dead, it was more beneficial to let other organizations order it.

>> "Thank you for being generous in Columbia."

“You’re welcome?” Did she have relatives in Columbia? They must not fare well in the southern sun, if their skin was as fair as hers. The Kabal’s recently tanned leader would know.

>> <<It’s the one I’m talking with.>>

>> “I also have two left feet.”

What? “What?” Slate repeated himself, his headache spiking somewhat higher. Roland did not look the same. Two left feet was a very strange birth defect. Was that dried blood on his future employee’s clothing? Slate took a deep breath.

“Would whoever is thinking of killing me please stop it? Or do so more quietly, if you can.” He requested, of the crowd in general. To the underdressed young lady in front of him, he asked, “Would you care to dance?”

Dancing. Away from the current crowd. Slate needed a slight mental reset, as it were.

~~“That is good, would you be interested in secretarial work? Among other things, we offer our employees good medical coverage. Optometrics included. We can always move you to another field of work at a later date, if it seems more appropriate.”

She nodded and that was it people, there was her job. And she didn’t even have to wrangle a computer off some scared child in an internet café to write out and print a resume. Secretarial work sounded perfect. Perhaps, just maybe, she might even get a chair to use all for herself. A grateful grin worked its way across her features. She would not say no to this man, this ray of hope. Whatever he wanted from her she would gi-

~~“Would whoever is thinking of killing me please stop it? Or do so more quietly, if you can.”

Her mouth opened a little and she blinked at the boss once, twice, before shutting her mouth politely and shushing her rampant thoughts as best she could. That having the meaning of focussing totally and wholly on the young man in front of her, squishing thoughts of her dumpster-home and the nervous jitters that came with entering a room of people you had never seen before.

~~“Would you care to dance?”

Verdigris blinked once more before slowly shoving her left hand into her pocket and depositing the marbles gently. She could whip them out quickly if she needed to, that left her hands free to dance. She touched her earrings once more, her movement of nerves before holding her hands out, a tinge of apprehension flickering across her face before being replaced with an awkward smile towards the taller male. She would be very, very careful not to activate the portals in either of her palms because she had no idea what would happen if someone was holding her hands when either opened. If the force was enough to rip her own fingernail from her flesh, how much worse could it affect someone not connected to the power. She did not wish to find out.

“Don’t mind if I do sir, but on your own toes be it.”

And she really, really did try not to step on his toes. As much as is possible for an unpractised girl in her late teens to avoid the toes of handsome young man at a wedding. She may have stepped on him once or twice. But it was entirely unintentional. Besides, how much damage can worn out, nearly worn through converse all stars do to a foot. Not a heck of a lot. She cast around for a suitable topic for small talk, which she assumed was what you did while dancing, because otherwise you were just clutching someone in your arms and moving without purpose. And that is just a little weird. She went out on a limb and opted for hobbies.

“So, when you aren’t running… Mondragon Labs… or building schools, or attempting high school, what do you do in your spare time.”

Surely there would be hardly any spare time with so much in ones life. Merely existing took up most of her time on a regular basis, so anything on top of that was an achievement. Attempting high school, just how old was this boss, he didn’t look too young, although his face had an innocent air, unassuming maybe. Quite a nice face really. After a subtle once over Verdigris decided, internally, that he couldn’t possibly be younger than seventeen, or older than thirty. Still, doing so much at such a young age was quite impressive and she felt just a little unworthy to be dancing with him. Definitely unworthy to be stepping on his toes. She had merely survived for the last three years of her life, and that had been a task even in itself.

Taking a sip of his glass and placing it back on a bus boy as he carried the tray of empty classes around Sam looked around to check and see the progress of the Danger Room’s reception, his little creation. Grinning, as people seemed to be enjoying themselves Sam looked around to see Alex talking to the man she was talking with earlier. Giving it little thought Sam looked around and spotted Ghost and Sebastian walking to the dance floor for what could be either a speech or the first dance. Regardless what it was Sam clicked his watch and cued to the band/DJ that there was going to be the couples first dance. When they were ready the music would play and then everyone could continue on the wedding tradition by dancing.

”Hmmmm… Dance…” Sam said as he walked over to Alex who gave him a look, taking that as the ‘go ahead’ for a conversation interruption Sam quickened his pace till he reached Alex and the man he was talking with, ” Hello hope I’m not interrupting anything to important sir, but I need to steal this lovely lady from you, it seems I owe her a dance or two.” Sam extended his hand to Alex and smiled and then looked back to the man she was with, ”If you like I can have her back to you after””

Sam extended his free hand to the man and quickly added, ”My name is Sam by the way and you are?” as soon as he had an answer he added once more, ”A friend of the bride or the groom?” eyeing the knife in his hand Sam smiled, ”Planning on cutting a piece of cake early? Just remember tradition is the bride and groom cut it.” Sam said teasing and also hoping that in fact the man wasn’t the type to ruin something like a wedding all in the quest for something as trivial as a slice of cake.

The crowd milling around his employer-pupil and wife was rather large, but when Ghost smiled he forgot about all of them save for one. That smile was all the answer he needed before sweeping her off to the dance floor. Someone was saying something about pants, but Sebastian wasn't paying any attention to them. Also, cake. “Save me a piece, too,” he added to his wife's request; at least one layer of it was carrot cake.

All in white, they swirled around the dance floor, tails (all 3) and skirts swishing opposite each other in a circle. The music that spun them around the danger room was not something he recognized, but it was suitably sappy for the occasion. Soon, other couples followed their lead and began to join the dancing. Sebastian expertly steered his bride around them.

A few minutes of quiet passed between them when all that mattered was smiling and dancing. The music changed and they paused for a moment to hear what the tempo of the next song would be. During the short interlude Sebastian took a moment to kiss Maya's cheek. Whoever was supposed to be tapping their spoons against their champagne glasses must be sleeping on the job.

“Thank you for sharing this day and this life with me,” he murmured softly enough that only Ghost would be able to hear.

"...Woah." was the only response he could come up with after hearing the numbers. Was being a human clock and or calculator her mutation? Maybe he should ask...but if he guessed wrong, he'd look like an idiot. Maybe she was just a really intelligent girl. Made her all the more adorable. A boyish grin crept across his face and he believed this was the opportunity to test out his macking skills.

"So, you..." AND insert the big brother and his lovely female companion coming over and killing his plans. Shawn was a nice and cool guy, but that was the problem, he was a guy. And when it came to a guy's younger siblings, they were extremely protective, like a lioness of her cub. Especially when it came you having a little sister. Point being, Dominic would just have to wait another time. For now he'd just nod to the new arrivals and take a sip of his champagne.

Stand down? STAND DOWN? ...alright. Suppose that would be the logical and mature thing to do. She still grumbled as her face took on a sour expression and her arms crossed firmly over her torso.

>>"Koga, come over here so you can meet my cousin! And give me that champagne. That's not fruit punch. Though, Kokoro here has fruit punch, if you,"

Hardy har har. Her cousin's wise cracks sunk the asian teen more irritable. Oh, how much longer could Kokoro hold back her wrath? She just focused on one word: cake. Cake will make it better. It's all she wanted in the first place. Her big brown eyes rolled over and set their sight on Koga who proceeded to greet her with a nice little bow.

>>“Nice to meet you, Koko-chan.”

"Ditto." she responded in a dry town turning her eyes back forward, staring off into the distance. Hm, yes her cute boy-dar was going off and she would have glomped the reptilian mutant, but she chose to ignore it and stick with her sour disposition.

>>"Kokoro, this is Kasumi. My girlfriend. Kasumi, my cousin Kokoro. The punch-covered lady in red. Sorry, it's kind of funny, though..."

Now the little jap had that song 'Lady in Red' by Chris de Burgh. Yeah, that was it. Screw holding back. She had to fume.

"IT'S NOT FUNNY! ALL I WANTED WAS FREAKIN CAKE, I'VE BEEN KNIFE JACKED AND MY DRESS IS RUINED. GAAAAH! AHHHHHHH!!!"

...

One breath, then two and Koko's outburst was through. That look of 'I'm putting my foot up your butt' was replaced with a wide and happy grin That and her cute boy-dar kicked in. "Nice to meet you Kasumi. And...Koga-kun!" she leaped over to wrap her arms around the asian boy to snuggle him. "...Hello." she batted her eye lashes.

>>“It’s not usually full of wedding, Ted. This is the first time I’ve seen it full of anything besides training, actually. I’d go for a simulation in here. This room is off the hook.”

That sounded like something worth trying. For a person who lives in mirrors, Gawain sure would have liked to see what 'simulation' they can come up with. The wedding setting was not half bad.
"That's settled, then." he grinned "I'm sure it knows somethin' that makes tag more challenging..."

As the music and the dancing started, Gawain's eyes lit up. Sweet. Dancing was always fun. Even with cheesy music like the kind they usually play at a wedding. No matter where, what, with whom, if there was rythm, there's gotta be dancin' to go with it.
All right. The with whom did matter.
He glanced at Bubblegum. She looked special interested in fidgeting with her green skirt. She looked cute as a button, but he wouldn't let her shy away into her little Twyla world.
"Well, excuse me lady and gent" he said, finishing off his drink and standing up "I am pretty sure I owe this lady a dance. And you, Miss Emerald..." he winked at the wolf girl over the table "... would make me happy if you'd put me on your dance schedule too for later tonight."
With that, he ruffled Ted's hair, walked over to Twyla and held out his hand with a smile.
"May I?"

“Would whoever is thinking of killing me please stop it? Or do so more quietly, if you can.”

Well, that made some sense of the world. The little tyrant had an open ear to surface thoughts? Strange that both the Order and Kabal leaders had a smattering of the sixth sense. Perhaps that was what put them on top and kept them there. Pictures were worth a thousand words. A thought? Perhaps even more. Something to chew on for a while. Roland's attention turned back to Circe, his hands returning to his pockets. She was doing a wonderful job of covering herself with conversation. No matter. He knew how to find her if necessary.

A shining eyed beau swept into view, as if on cue. More buffer zone between the two of them, no doubt. He apologized for taking Alexandra away. " No worries, friend. I'm sure I can catch up with her later." He took the hand offered and gave it a good pump, while winking over Sam's shoulder at the manipulator. " Dean Adwin. Friend of the bride. Actually, I was more concerned about your girl handling a knife. I'm not sure if you are aware, but she has quite the violent past." That would be worth a laugh, as the two would no doubt have plenty to chat about on the dance floor.

It seemed that for all the fun he was having, Roland felt that pushing his luck was never an option. During the exodus to the dance floor, where all couples could gaze into sparkling eyes and make promises, he moved his own body back toward the door. He wwas against the general tide of people, but he was clearly making headway toward the door. Miss Circe playing nice. There was just something off about it. Roland made his way toward the door, a bottle of whiskey joining him as his own dance partner as he waltzed away.

<<What?>>

”What?”

Something told Alexandra that Mr. Slate wasn’t so surprised at hearing that the girl with the green tipped hair had two left feet. Mentally, she sighed. Slate was so supportive.

Could she really blame him when someone was thinking to kill him? (Oh and why was she so certain that Dean had those kinds of thoughts running trough his head?)

…

Yeah. She could.

And because a bad thing never comes alone… Sam was coming their way. Lovely. She really wasn’t curious to see if Dean planned something and Sam, well, Sam was the last person she wanted to see Dean talking with. But, one thing was clear. The situation wasn’t controlled by her. And she hated it.

Alexandra forced a smile on her lips when Sam joined them, one that looked genuine enough. Yeah, all she did was smile. Smile as the boys introduced themselves, smile as Dean mentioned that he could catch up with her later (why did it sound like this conversation wasn’t really over?) and…

"... Actually, I was more concerned about your girl handling a knife. I'm not sure if you are aware, but she has quite the violent past."

... her face dropped slightly. She starred blankly at Dean for a brief moment.

Then, of course, she smiled. Har har. “Very funny.” She said to the now departing gentlemen.

Meanwhile, in the realm of thoughts…

<<Slate, I don’t care what’s your policy about killing… but that guy. He’s dead.[/color]>>

Yeah.

“So... dancing?” Alexandra changed the subject asked Sam, turning her body around to face him.

And, yes, she was still smiling.

You are so dead, mister.

Kasumi hears Shin soon she walks to Shin and Koko. Soon she bows her head as she smiles "It is nice to meet you Koko." Soon her eyes grue wide as she hears what is going on. Yet Kasumi does not say a word she is just feeling very shy right now. She is always shy around new people. Kasumi wonders why she is like this now but this is Shin's family so she will act like this.

Soon Koko is hugging Koga as she lets out a small giggle. Soon she slips her hand in Shin's as Kasumi seems "She seems nice a little bit out of place." That is how Kasumi was feeling right about now but she feels alot better with Shin with her. Kasumi tilts her head to the side as she wounder what more will happen at this wedding but it is alright. It is such a wonderful thing about love.

Soon her mind wonders about what her wedding would be like and the man that she marries? Well Shin she hopes that will happen. Soon she smiles to herself that is such a nice thought more like a dream with her she never knew that she could love anyone as much as she loves Shin. He is her world her heart and her soul. She never wants to be with out him.

Looking from Dean to Alex he gave her a curious look and grinned slightly, ”You don’t say?” he gave Alex a good long look for a second then turned back to Dean, ”I think I would like to know more about this violent past… later of course!” he was of course skeptical of this so called violent past but his skepticism was not revealed as he tapped Alex over to the dance floor. Watching both Ghost and Sebastian for a moment dancing close he wondered if he would ever marry and if so who? Shuddering at the thought he shook his head, far to early to think about marriage not to mention he didn’t feel about worrying about that far into the future.

Sam did however slip his hand into Alex’s and gave it a tight squeeze. As the song came to an end a large portion of the guests flew out onto the dance floor and started to dance with their date or a friend for the evening, Sam was no different as he led the way to a vacant location and placed a hand on the back of Alex’s waist as the other locked into her hand. ”So, about this violent history?” his tone was more of a curious one than a serious one, after all how could Alex be violent, sure he had seen her beat the tar out of Bruiser but it was Bruiser. Sam was pretty sure a nun would take a few swings at him.

Quickly following up his question before, ”And how do you know Dean?” he was again curious and nothing more, if she didn’t want to continue the conversation topic Sam was more than ready to change the topic to something else, like how happy Ghost had seemed. His eyes trailed over to the center of the dance floor to see Ghost’s dad heading to them. He smiled as Sebastian kissed her, glad that the shifter seemed all right Sam watched Ghost’s dad motion to dance and ghost accepting.

”Can’t imagine how hard that has to be to give away your only daughter” thought Sam as he watched the two. Glad he didn’t even think much about having kids in the future Sam looked back to Alex and smiled. ”Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?” Sam asked curiously as he released Alex’s waist and then lifted his hand holding hers and led her into a spin. After the spin Sam pulled her close his eyes locked on hers and then he continued the dancing motion.

Oh, Alexandra could bet that Sam would have liked to know more about her violent past. With death wishes still being sent toward Dean, Alexandra let herself be leaded toward the dance floor. Blue eyes watched absently the pairs that were already dancing. Alexandra sighed. She always knew she had a reason for not liking surprises.

One of Sam’s hands found her waist, the other her hand and they started to dance. He squeezed her hand lightly and she wasn’t late in repaying the favor. Putting her adorable face on, she smiled at him. She knew that lying wasn’t the problem with her. She had done that for what… almost a year? No, there was something else and - for Sam’s sake, she smiled, pretending to be happy. Put on your pretty lies.

”So, about this violent history? And how do you know Dean?””

Sam was curious. Dean or whatever his name was probably thrilled right now. A sick sense of humor the man had. In the privacy of her mind Alexandra swore to repay the kind attitude as soon as she had the chance. “Oh yes. I am very violent.” Alexandra said mocking seriousness. “I was the living nightmare of my neighbor’s cat when I was five.” She grinned at Sam, then a few moments later she became more serious. “As for Dean…” Alexandra shrugged. “I just met him. It probably was just a joke. I mean, you saw me with that knife. I must have looked like some kind of psycho holding a knife while trying not to laugh at Mr. Slate.” Again, she shrugged, dismissing the subject for now. (Although she did hope that it was for good.)

”Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?”

Alexandra chuckled slightly as she let herself be leaded in this dance. She spun under Sam’s guidance, and she couldn’t have said that she did not enjoy having Sam closer to her once he leaded back her. Sky blue stared back into icy blue. “You might have but I don’t mind hearing it again, you know…” Alexandra replied winking at the ice mancer as the dancing started again. Then, with a smile still on her face, she let herself enjoy the pleasant sensations that awakened in her every time she was in Sam’s arms.

It would be fun to see everyone’s powers in action and the danger room was the perfect setting. It was also apparently the perfect setting for a wedding Twyla decided as she listened to the sounds around her of happy people and music. Brown eyes glanced up from green skirt and she noted that the bride and groom were taking advantage of the music.

Twyla Ashby had been to quite a few wedding receptions in her life–it kinda came with the territory of having a lot of cousins–and her favorite part of the whole thing was the bride and groom’s first dance together as a married couple. For whatever reason she associated that moment with all of the couple’s happiness. She was pretty sure it was because it always reminded her of one of the last scenes in Sleeping Beauty when the Prince and Aurora are dancing around the castle. Since Sleeping Beauty was one of her favorite movies as a little girl it made sense that Twyla associated it with happy feelings. Without thinking about it she smiled at the sight of the couple dancing and in the back of her mind ‘Once Upon a Dream’ began to play.

She was pulled from watching the dance floor when Gawain stood up and began to speak. The teen was a bit confused when he said he owed one of the ladies at the table a dance. Had she missed soemthing? Automatically she had assumed Emerald was who he meant and when he extended his hand to her Twyla was a bit baffled but replied: “Sure.” With a smile and a small laugh she placed her hand in his and allowed him to help her out of her chair. “Is this what you meant by ‘clubbing’?” She asked after a moment, remembering Maya’s promise from before.

Maybe it was silly, but Ghost was pleased as punch. Even more pleased with the humble peck on her check. (If Unicorns could peck… Maybe it was a lip? Or a nuzzle?) The second button on Sebastian's shirt pulled Ghost's eyes in with gravity that promised a less-embarrassing look than what might be in Sebastian's eyes. That was a lot of emotion to see in a sort-of stranger's eyes. "Uhm. Any time?"

And a tap on her shoulder saved her from saying something really silly like confessing undying love. They really were still sort-of strangers. And besides, she would even if he wouldn't.

Ghost's dad, though not happy at the prospect of dancing, did want to share a moment with his daughter. She turned and hugged him for all he was worth.

Papa Swift gave a little wave to Sebastian. "Hope you don't mind me cutting in. I'll return her to you before too long." He gave a dutiful nod and then attempted some kind of frame as he took up his daughter's hands for them to dance.

Ghost ended up leading.

And then she spied one other person she wanted to ambush before returning to her--errr husband. Hm. Wow. That would take some rigorous usage before it became familiar enough to not feel like she was cheating somebody out of something.

With one last squeeze to Papa Swift, Ghost pattered over on her bare feet past some other dancing couples to Sam and tapped on Alexandra's shoulder a bit embarrassed to have to cut in to their special moment.

"Could I borrow Sam for a bit? Please?"

(Attention: Sam and Circe)

>>“Is this what you meant by ‘clubbing’?”

Gawain grinned™ as he led Bubblegum to the dance floor.

"Not even close, babe. But till I get a chance to get ya to a real club, this'll do just fine."

Because admitting he actually liked this kinda dancing too would have been just waaay over the top. Sir Gawain of Orkney and Seattle, master of subtlety, at your service.
Turning around, he pulled Twyla closer, sneaking an arm around her (and keeping his hand with great effort from sliding down her back). He still held her hand with his other. Looking down at her, he smiled.

"If I remember correctly, you can dance, right?"

Of course she could. Still, Gawain started out slow, to allow her time to get used to the music, and the movements, and... whatever.
This is gonna be fun.